Marseille, France

Marseille

France's oldest city, with a lively port and Mediterranean food.

  • All year
  • 2 nights
Explore on the map
Nearby hidden places
Aix-en-ProvenceFrance · CityAix-en-Provence27 kmGordesFrance · Popular townGordes70 kmCamargue (Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer)France · Nature spotCamargue (Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer)78 kmAvignonFrance · CityAvignon86 kmMoustiers-Sainte-MarieFrance · Hidden townMoustiers-Sainte-Marie92 kmMont VentouxFrance · Nature spotMont Ventoux98 kmPont du GardFrance · Nature spotPont du Gard99 kmMontpellierFrance · CityMontpellier125 km

Things to do

2 days in Marseille

Day 1

  1. MorningWatch the morning fish market at the Vieux-Port.
  2. AfternoonWalk up to Notre-Dame de la Garde for the best view of the city.
  3. EveningWander the Panier quarter and have dinner near the port.

Day 2

Hike or take a boat to the Calanques, or visit the MuCEM museum.

What to eat

Bouillabaisse fish stew and panisse chickpea fries.

Local tips

Make the most of Marseille

Beat the crowds

The Old Port and Le Panier are busiest midday. The Calanques are packed on summer weekends: go early.

Best photo spot

The view over the city and the sea from Notre-Dame de la Garde on the hill.

Getting there

Buses connect the airport and station. The metro and trams are useful; the centre is hilly.

Don't miss nearby

The Calanques National Park, with rocky coves and turquoise water just outside the city.

Good to know

In summer, some Calanques paths close or need a reservation because of fire risk and crowds; check before you go. Try bouillabaisse, the classic fish stew.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Marseille

Our most hidden places around Marseille: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Marseille to take with you.

16 km away
73 km away
78 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Marseille

Getting there

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forCoast, Food
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay2 nights
CountryFrance

Questions

Marseille: good to know

Is Marseille worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like the coast and food. France's oldest city, with a lively port and Mediterranean food.

How many days do you need in Marseille?

Plan 2 nights. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Marseille?

You can visit all year. The Old Port and Le Panier are busiest midday. The Calanques are packed on summer weekends: go early.

How do you get to Marseille?

The nearest airport is Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), about 20 km away. Buses connect the airport and station. The metro and trams are useful; the centre is hilly.

What is there to see near Marseille?

Nearby hidden places include Aix-en-Provence (27 km), Gordes (70 km) and Camargue (Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer) (78 km).

Day trips from Marseille: 10 hidden places nearby
More hidden places in France (72)